Paris has many nicknames, but its most famous is “La Ville-Lumiere” (usually translated as “The City of Lights” or as “The City of Light”), a name it owes to both to its fame as a center of education and ideas and its early adoption of street lighting.
Paris is also known for its culinary choices and is a magnet for foodies from all over the globe. With such a plethora of choices, where does a first-time visitor begin? I recently discovered a great little book to help answer that question. It is called “Dining Out in Paris” by Tom Reeves.
If you are a Francophile you’ve probably already compiled a list of your favorite Paris restaurants. But if you are an infrequent visitor – or have never been to Paris – this is an excellent beginner’s guide. It tells what you should know before you go to the City of Light. The book is comprised of easy-to-read descriptions and beautiful color photographs.
I especially enjoyed the author’s detailed descriptions of types of dining establishments; restaurants, cafes, bistros, brasseries, salons de the, bars a vin, even neighborhood food shops; and what to expect in each one.
The book is very easy to read and small enough to carry in a purse or backpack. It gives very practical tips and valuable advice such as:
FOREIGN RESTAURANTS: Paris has many foreign (non-French) restaurants, so one can enjoy cuisine from all over the globe.
SERVICE: The concept of service is very different from what many Americans have come to expect. The pace is leisurely, not rushed. The server allows the customer to set the pace. The goal is not to have multiple customers per table each night, but perhaps only 1-2 seatings per table.
TIPPING: A service charge of 15% is always included in the bill, so leaving a tip is unnecessary. However, if one wishes to recognize exceptional service, it is customary to leave an additional tip; normally 5%. However, this must be in cash because it cannot be added to a credit card charge.
The book also includes detailed reviews of several top restaurants and fine-food stores in or near the Latin Quarter. So it is a wonderful beginner’s guide to dining in Paris that covers everything from picnicking to fine dining.
I recommend it highly and I wish I’d had the opportunity to read the book before my first trip to Paris. But I’ll definitely have it with me the next time I go.
